Ironing and folding machine



March 22, 1938. 1. GRIESINGER 2,111,770

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IRONING AND FOLDING MACHINE l0 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 16, 1934 Invelor John Gr'z'esz'nger March 242, 1938.

J. GRIESINGER IRONING AND FOLDING MACHINE Inventor Jahn Grz'esz'rgger @ma C a@ Attorney March 22,I 1938. J, GRIESINGER 2,111,770

` l IRONING AND FOLDING MACHINE Filed-Feb. 16, 1934 10 Sheet'S#She`eT- 4 f Attorney Marh .22, 193s. J GRIESWGER 2,111,770"

IRONING AND FOLDING MACHINE Filed Feb. 16, 1954 v 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jg f I rivenlor Job/2 Griesz'f/ger f3. B, MCM

.March 22, 1938. J.' GRIESINGER 2,111,770

IRONING'AND'FOLDING MACHINE Fil/ed Febfl, 1934 10 SheebS-Sheet Attorney March 22,1938.

.l. GRIESINGER IRONING AND FOLDING MACHINE Filed Feb. 1e, 1934 l0 4Sheets-Shee(l 7 Inventor n nasi/ger- March 22, 1938. v.1. GRIESINGER y 111-9770 IRONING AND FOLDING MACHINE Filed Feb. 16, 1934 lO'Sheets-Sheet E3 Y Iwenlor w Jahn Grzesmger Allamey March 22, 1938. J. GRIESINGER I IRONING AND FOLDING MACHINE Filed Feb. 16, 1934 1o sheets-shew A n NN IINHI l B; Ma

Attorney March 22, 1938. 1 GRlEslNGgR '2,111,77

IRONING AND FOLDING MACHINE;A

File-d Feb. 1:6, 1934 1o sheets-sheet lo Hmmm Inventor Jol/n Grzlesirger Attorney Patented Mar. 22, 1938 PATENT OFFICE animo laoNING AND FOLDING MACHINE John Griesinger, Los Angeles, Calif., assigner, by mesne assignments, to American Machine and Metals, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware i Application February 16, 1934, Serial No. 711,513

25 Claims.

This invention relates to laundry machinery, and particularly to machines for ironing and folding at work.

A broad object of the invention is to provide a machine for automatically ironing, drying and folding flat work. i

Heretofore to the best of my knowledge, all

machine ironing of fiat work in commercialA i laundries has been done on machines commonly termed mangles in which the piece to be ironed is passed between heated rolls. In the operation of mangles, it is customary for the operator to feed each piece in flat condition into the mangle by hand, then to fold the piece by hand either once or twice, and again feed it through the mangle after each folding operation. This method is disadvantag'eous for the reason thatit is slow, is dangerous to the operator, and is expensive because of the large amount of labor necessary.

In accordance with the present invention, the above disadvantageous features of the customary commercial ironing process are eliminated by ,a single machine which automatically irons and folds at Work and delivers it in finished condition. Y

Other objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the machine, when read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a plan View of the machine.

Figure 2 is a side elevational sectional view of the machine taken in the plane 2-2 of Fig- Figure 3 is a detail view of a portion of the receiving table of the machine.

Figure 4 is a sectional View in the plane 4 4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an end elevational sectional view of the machine taken in the plane 5-5 of Figure'2.

Figure 6 is a detail sectional view in the plane.

Fig-ure 10 is a detail view showing the method of supporting the ironing elements of the machine.

Figure 11 is a sectional view of the lower ironing element in the plane II-II of Figure 10. 5

Figure 12 is a detail view showing one of the carrier elements entering the ironing elements.

Figure 13 is a detail View partly in section showing the construction and method of supporting the drying and pressing rolls.

Figure 14 is a detail View partly in section in the Vplane l4-'-I4 of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a detail sectional view in the plane lE-l5 of Figure 13.

Figure 16 is a sectional view in the plane lli-I6 15 -of Figure 14.

Figure 17 is a sectional elevational View of the taking-off mechanism in the plane I'I-I'I of. Fig. 1.

Figure 18 is a sectional elevational view of 20 the taking-off mechanism in the plane lll-I8 vof Figure 1, with the apparatus in a diierent phase of its cycle of operation.

Figure 19 is a sectional elevational View of the taking-off mechanism in still another phase of its cycle of operation, taken in the plane Ill-I9 of Figure 1.

Figure 20 is a sectional elevational view ofthe folding andstacking mechanism taken in the plane 20-20 of Figure 2.

Figure 21 is a sectional detail view of the stacking mechanism taken in the plane 2|-2I of Figure 25.

Figure 22 is a detail section of the clutch mechanism in the plane 22--22 of Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a detail View partly in section of the folding and stacking mechanism.

l Figure 24 is a detail view of a portion of the safety clutch mechanism.

Referring to Figure 2, my fmachine comprises 40 a table I, containing a lateral slot 2 through which a plurality of carrier'elements 3 are positioned to revolve. Each carrier element 3 extends laterally beyond the width of the table and is rotatably secured to a central shaft 4 45 by spokes 5 which extend from the shaft 4 to the outer ends of each carrier 3.

A pair of ironing elements 6 and a pair of drying and pressing rolls 'I are positioned above the table I` and in the path of the revolving 5r CPI carrier elements 3. A taking-off mechanism designated generally at 8, is positioned to the right of the rolls I in Figure 2, and is adapted to move in and out of the path ofthe carrier elements 3. Associated with the taking-01T mechanism 8 are a plurality of belts 9 which serve to carry pieces being ironed from the takingoi mechanism 8 to a, folding table designated generally at I0. A stacking mechanism indicated generally at II, is positioned below 'the folding table Ill.

The operation of the machine may be briefly outlined as follows: The carrier elements 3 are continually revolved by a motor mechanism in a clockwise direction (referring toFigure 2). During the interval between the passage of successive carrier elements 3 through the slot 2 in table I, an operator places a piece to be ironed upon the table I, so that the center of the piece lies over the slot 2. As the continuous rotation brings one of the carrier elements 3 through the table, the piece is lifted from the table by the carrier, the two portions ofthev piece falling back along the inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of the carrying element 3. As the carrie element continues to revolve, it carries the piece between the ironing elements 6 which simultaneously iron both sides of the piece as it passes therethrough.

After the carrier element 3 leaves the ironing element 6, the piece being4 ironed, tends to dry. It thereafter is carried between the drying rollers 'I which are heated and rotated ina' direction opposite to the direction of travel of the carriers 3, so that the piece supported by the carrier is further dried and pressed as it passesfbetween the rolls 1. After the carrier 3 has-passed befeeds it between the rolls `of the taking-olf mechanism, onto the belt 9. Belt 9 takes a piece away from the rolls of the taking-off mechanism and deposits it on folding table I where it is folded and delivered as a completely processed piece to the stacking mechanism II.

In order to give a complete understanding of the construction and operation of the machine, a detailed description of each separate element will now be given.

Receiving table Referring to Figure 1, the table I comprises a front section I2 and a rear section I3 separated by the slot 2. The front section I2 is relatively wide, extending substantially the full width of the machine but the rear section I3 is reduced in Width to permit passage of the arms 5 support- Aing the carrier elements 3. Since the piece to be ironed is folded by the carrier element 3, as it is picked up by the latter, it is essential that the piece be properly centered on the table with respect to the slot 2.

For this purpose the table I is marked off by lines into rectangular fields. The lines I4-I4 extending across both the front section I2 and the rear section I3 (the latter concealed from view in Figure 1) enable an operator to quickly locate a piece symmetrically over the slot 2. It is also essential that the piece to be ironed, be properly centered laterally on the table in order that it will be in proper position for the second folding operation to be described later. Parallel lines I5--I5 enable the operator to the piece laterally on the table.

quickly center To prevent any possibilityof the central portion of the piece to be ironed from sagging through the slot 2, the slot is closed by a pair of gates I6 and I I as shown to best advantage in Figures 2, 3 and 4. The gate I6 .is hinged to the vedge of the fronttable I 2, and the gate I`I is hinged to the edge of thev rear table I3. Springs I8 serve to normally maintain the gates in flush position with the upper surface of the table, but permit the gates to be forced upward by the carriers 3 as the latter revolve through the slot 2.

In the operation of the machine, the carriers 3 are revolved at such a rate of speed as to permit a skilled operator to place and properly center a piece on the table I during the interval elapsing between the time one carrier leaves the table and the next one passes therethrough.

Construction and operation of the carrier elements Referring now to lFigures 2, '7, 8 and 9, each carrier element 3 comprises an inner frame element I9 and an outer frame element 20 spaced apart therefrom. These frame members are preferably constructed of light metal and are supported in proper spaced relation from each other by side members 2|, which in turn are secured by arms 22 to the ends of the arms 5 projecting radially from a central shaft 4. As shown i. l

in Figure 9, each frame member I9 and 2ll'is covered with padding 23 which extends over the I forward tapered ends-y24 and 25 of the frame members 2l)A and I9, and is secured on the inner Side of these frame members by screws 26. Framegmembers I9 and 20 are preferably perforated by lnumerous apertures as indicated at 2`I,

. andthe hollow space 28 between the-framememtween rolls 'I, it continues to revolve until it reaches the taking-01T mechanism 3' which ref' moves the piece from the carrier element 3 and f" fractional portion or their ttai-ength, and the front'edge of which-is normally flush with the front -edges of the frame members. The tongue 29 is attached at each end to a rack bar 30 positionedto slide forward and backward between the framemembers I9 and 20. The rack bars 30 are normally retained in retracted position by springs 3|. Each rack bar 30 is4 in mesh with n. pinion 32 which is mounted to rotate about pins fixed with respect to the frame members I9 and 20.

The forward end of each rack bar'33 normally projects forward of the forward edges of the frame members I9 and 20, as shown in`Figure 7.

Attached to the main framework of the machine (as shown to best advantage in Fig. 17) is a latch 34 which is plvotei to rotate-about a pin 39. The rear end of latch 34 is shaped to form a catch 35, and a roller 36 is mounted on the latch between the catch 35 and the pivot 39. As shown in Figure 8, the roller 36 is offset slightly from the latch 34. A stop 31 secured to the arm 38 limits the downward motion of the rear end of the latch 34. As will be observed from Figure 8, the latch bars 34 are positioned to be directly over the rack bars 33, as the carrier rotates thereunder. The catches 35 on latches 34, therefore engage with the rack bars 33, thus preventing their continued revolution with the rest of the carrier 3. Rack bars 33 are therefore forced rearwardly with respect to the frame members I9 and 20 and the pinions 32, thereby rotating the bars 30 forward, thus forcing the tongue 29 forward of the rest of the'carrier as shown in Figure 8. This serves to break the piece 40 away from the pads A23 on the carrier, and facilitate the removal of the piece from the carrier'by thev 'taking-olf mechanism to be described later.`

Since the rearward movement of the rack bar 33 is limited, it is necessary to release the catch 35 on latch l34 from engagement with the rack bars 33 when the latter have moved rearwardly through the limit of their motion. For this purpose two cam guides` 4I are secured on the top` `of the outer frame member 20 and positioned to align with the rolls 36 secured to latch bars-35. As shown in Fig. 9, the forward end of each cam 4I is tapered down to the upper surface of the frame member 26. The roll 36 is so positioned that it rides freely over Athe upper surface of frame member 26,'but strikes the forward inclined end pf cam 4I and is force the cam a suflicient distance to release the catch 35 on latch bars 34 from engagement with the rack bars 33. The catches 35 are therefore lifted clear of the rack` bars 33, and are maintained out of contact with the carrier 3 by the cam 4i until the carrier 3 has passed beyond the catch 35.

As previously indicated, the carrier members 3 are attached by spoke members 5 rotatablewith respect to a central shaft 4. As shown in Figure the -shaft 4 is attached to the main frame of the device as indicated at 42m-ind carries two main drive wheels 43 and 44 which are rigidly attached to the spokes 5 and mesh with pinions 45 and 46 respectively, on a countershaft 41..

Pinions 45 and 43 are rotatably connected to the countershaft 41 by clutch members 48'and 49, to be described later, and the, countershaft 41 is continuously rotated through va gear reduction box 56 and a chain 5l, by an electric motor 52,

thelatter being ...supported in a framework"`53 suspended from the central shaft 4.

.` Ironing mechanism A The ironing elements, designated generally at 6 in Figure 2, comprise two juxtaposed. elements having'polished inner surfaces shaped to con' tached to each support l'56 is a guide 51 in which is fitted a sliding member 58. A slot 59 is pro-.- vided in onev side of member 51, and a pin 60 extending from each member 58, slides within the slot-59 and vserves to limit the motion of mem-- ber 58 in either the outward or inward direction.

'A. spring 6| bearing betweeni a nut 62 on the lower end of a rod 63- extending from member 58 and the lower end-of guide 51, serves` to exf ibly resist upward motion of member 58 and the upper ironing element' 54. A spring 64 positioned between the upper enclv of guide 51 and the lower end of arm 5 5, serves to counterbalance the weight of the upper ironing element 54 and to absorbY the shock of the latter as it' moves downward.

The lower ironing element 65 is also supported at each end through ball andsocket connections '66 with members 61 mountedtoslide within sleeves 68. Sleeves 68 are providedwith "slots 69 and'pins`10 projecting from the members 61,

serve to limit upward movement of the latter. Springs 1l serve to normally force the lower upward by ironing element 65 outwardly against the carriers 3. i

Each ironing element 54 and 65 is heated andv may be conveniently heated by electrical heating elements as disclosed in Figure 11. Thus Figure 11 discloses four heating elements 12 positioned immediately below the surface of the lower ironing element 65. These heating elements are shown connected in parallel between a bus bar 13 at one end, and a bus bar 14 at the other end. These bus bars are connected by leads 15 to any suitable source of energizing current. Referring for the moment again to Figure' 2, springs 16 are provided for normally drawing'the forward end "of the outer ironing element 54 inwardly and springs 1 1are provided for'normally drawing the rear end of the irfner element 65 in- `as shown in Figure 2, each carrier 3 after leaving the table l, carries a piece 40 to beJ ironed between the forward edges of. the elements 54 and 65, and since ythe forward edges of each of the elements 54 are normally forcedI together by the springs 16 and 11, the portion of the piece 40 closely adjacent the forward'edge of the carrier 3, is thoroughly ironed.

As thev carrier 3 continues its revolution and passes completely between the elements 54 and 65, the latter change their position to make uniforni contact over the entire surfaces of the piece and the carrier 3, thereby completely ironing the 'entire piece.

. As shown in Figures 1l and 12, the central portions of the ironing elements 5 4 and 65 are`extended forward ahead of the outer portions of the edges. This slightly pointed central edge portion strikes the piece to be irgned first and tends to spread it laterally each way from the center, thus tendin-g to insure the elimination of"\ all wrinkles. J

Itis to be particularly noted that since the two ironing elements are independently and resiliently supported through ball and socket joints at ea'ch end, they at allV times make smooth and uniform contact with the piece being ironed.

Finishing rolls As previously described in connection with Figure 2, the piece being ironed, after leaving the ironing elements 6, is carried by riers 3 between finishing rolls V1. ReferringV now; to Figure 3 for a detailed de` scription of the finishing rolls, an upper roll 18.

comprises a cylindrical section 19 of-metal havinga smooth-polished outer surface.

As shown to better advantage in Figure 14, the cylindrical section 19 is' supported at cach end by shafts 80'and 8| respectively, which have flanges 82 and 83 extending outwardly to join with the ends of the cylindrical section 19. The two shafts 8 0 and 8| are joined rigidly together by a central shaft 84 /the ends of which are threaded and screwed lnto the shafts 80 and `8I respectively. ,s

one of the car- 7l) The outer end of shaft 8.6 is lformed into a ball 85 which is held between two socket members 86.

Socket members 86 .are threaded into a sleeve B1 which is slida'bleup and down within theframe .86. The socket members 86 are normally maintained in a predetermined position by means of an upper spring 89 and a lower spring 90 which permit shaft |4 to move up or down within relatively wide limits, although always tending to .return it to a predetermined desired position. The mounting for the outer end of shaft 8| is in general similar "to that of shaft 80,. and corresponding parts ,have been given the same reference numerals. However, in this instance, the ball 85a instead of being formedintegrally with the shaft 8|, is a separate piece having a cylindrical opening therethrough. A reduced end section 9| of shaft 8|, ts snugly within the cylindrical opening in theball 85a and rotates therein. The construction described is advantageous since it permits one end of the roll to rise or fall independently of the other as the shaft end 9| is `free'to slide longitudinally within the ball 85a.

Although any known method may be employed for heating the finishing rolls, it has been found convenient to heat them electrically. Thus referring to Figures 14 and 15, each roll contains a plurality of electrically heated elements 92, each of which is connected to a bus bar 93 at one end of the roll and a bus bar 94 at the other end of the roll. 'I'he bus bar 93 is connected by anpinsulated lead 95 to a ring 96 at the left end of the roll, and

is partly supported thereby, but is prevented from returning therewith by the arm |03.

Current is supplied to the lower roll |04 in substantially the same manner as that described' above in connection with the upper roll 18. However, as shown in Figure 15, it is not .necessary to journal the brush support for this rolll about the shaft of the roll, as the latter is very short. Thus, in .this instance, the brushes |a and |0la are supported directly from the member 81a which corresponds to the element 81 for supporting the upper roll 18.

It will be readily observed from Figure -13 that the method of supporting the lower roll |04 is substantially the same as that employed for supporting the upper roll 18. The only differences are that the lsupports 88a for the lower roll are posi- .toned very close to the end of the roll in order to permit passage of the carrier elements supporting armsfand the springs corresponding to springs 90 on the upper roll are eliminated. No such springs are necessary on the lower roll since the weight of the roll maintains it against springs 89a.

- The rolls are continuously driven in opposite directions so as to thoroughly iron the piece passing therethrough. The upper roll 16 is rotated through a chain engaging with a sprocket |06 mounted on shaft 8|; and the lower roll |04 is driven by a chain |01 engaging -with a sprocket |08 on the shaft of the lower roll'. Referring Ito Figure 5, the chain |01 engaging with the sprocket |08 onI the lower roll is driven by a sprocket |09 `which is mounted ona shaft ||0 with apinion I which meshes with and is driven by the large4 gear 44 on shaft 4. Since the lower roll |04 moves up and down as the carrier elements 3 pass thereover, means must be provided to take up slack in` the chain |01 when the roll |04 is pressed downrotatably mounted on a shaft. |2|.

.sprocket |22 is mounted on shaft |2|, and is seward. To take up this slack a pair of sprockets ||2 and ||3 respectivelyI (referring to Figure 19) are mounted on a rocker arm ||4 pivoted to rotate through an arc about a pivot means l5.

the shaft of the upper roll, extends horizontally and engages with a sprocket ||1 which is mounted on a common shaft with another sprocket I8 which is driven by a chain |9 from a sprocket |20 A second Cured rigidly to th-e shaft and to sprocket |20, and is rotated by a chain |23 passing around a sprocket |24 on the main shaft 4. It will be apparent from inspection of Figure 19, that since the motion of the upper roll 18 is vertical, the length of chain |05 is not materially altered by the motion of the roll, and therefore no special arrangement for taking up slack in chain |05 need be provided.

'By means of the apparatus described, the upper and lower rolls 18 and |04 respectively, are continuously rotated in a direction opposite to the movement of the carrier elements 3 therebetween.

The rolls intimately follow the carrier elements 3 and the pieces to be ironed supported thereon, by virtue of the spring supported ball and socket mountings which permit either end of each roll to move up or down as may be necessary to make perfect contact with the piece being ironed.

Taking-017 mechanism As has been previously outlined, after the Carrier 3 has passed between the rolls 1, the piece being ironed is removed from the carrier 3 by the take-01T mechanism 8. The operation of this mechanism willnow be described in detail.

As pointed out in the description of the carrier mechanism 3, the tongue 29 in the forward edge of each carrier, is automatically thrown forward to-strip the piece 40 loose as. the carrier reaches the position shown in Figure 19. Thus this figure fshows the tongue extended and projecting the piece.

Referring now to Figure 18, the take-olf mechanism comprises two rolls |25 and 26 respectively, mounted on arms |21 which are pivoted to the main frame of the ,machine by a shaft |28. Anv

arm |29 projects outwardly from oncQof the arms |21 and engages with Ia roll |30 secured to the upper end of a curved lever |3| which is rotatably mounted to swing about a pin |32 as a pivot, and has its other end secured by a pin |33 to a push rod |34. The lower end of the push rod |34 is slidably mounted in a guide |35, which in turn is pivoted at |36 to the frame of the machine whereby the lower end of the rod may move freelyv CFI end of shaft |28 and the main chine.

The rolls |25 and |26 are normally maintained lframe of the ma'- in contact with each other by aspring |40, thel lower roll |25 being mounted oted to the arm |21.

wheel |5| which `meshes with and is rotated by a f gear wheel |52 mounted on the same shaft with,

and rotated by, sprocket'. H8 which is driven by chain H9. The mechanism described serves to constantly rotate the upper roll |26 in a counterclockwise direction when looking in the 'direction of Figure 19. The lower roll |25 is also positively driven by a chain (referring now to Figure 19) which couples a sprocket 202 on the end of roll |25 with a sprocket 203 mounted on a shaft;l

| is positioned to revolve 204 about which roll on arms |4|. y

Attached to sprocket 203 on shaft 204 is a gear Wheel 205 which meshes with and'is rotated by a gear wheel 206 mountedon'the encl of roll |26.

The mechanism described serves to positively rotate rolls |25 and |26 in opposite directions, regardless of Whether or not these rolls are lying closely adjacent each other or are separated by the passage of a thick piece Qf cloth therebetween.

For supporting the piece being ironed after it leaves the'rolls |25 and |26, belts 9 are provided which pass around the lower roll |25. over a plurality of rolls |43 andy |44 respectively, and are maintained'in taut condition regardless of the position of rolls |25v and |26 by'weightedpulleys |45.

tion, that rolls |25 and |26 are continuously rotated in a direction to carry the upper sides of the belts 9 away from the rolls.

Referring now to Fig. 18, it willbe observed that the rolls |25; and 4|26 are normally maintained in the position shown by the rod |34 resting-against the outwardly extending portion of the cam sur face |36. However, at the moment thee carrier 3 approaches .the position shown in Fig. 19, the cam |38 rotates to permit. the roll |31 to drop into one of 'the three depressions |56, which permits the arm |21 and the rolls |25and |26 4to be moved by their weight and the force of. spring |38 into a position immediately in front of the carrier 3 as shown in Fig. 19. v l

Thus, referring to Fig. 19, the rolls |25 and |26 are positioned so that the tongue 29 of the carrier 3 has forced the piece 40 almost into contact with the surfaces of the rolls. `It will also be observed-in Fig. 19 that the roll 36 on the latch 34 is just about to. engage'with the cam surface 4|. Therefore, as thecarrier 3moves a half an inch or so from its position in Fig. 19, the roll 36 will ride up on cam 4| to trip the hooked end 35 ofthe latch 34 out of engagement with the rack bars 33, thus permitting the tongue 29 to be re? seized by and ldrawn between the rolls |25 and |26. Atthis stage of the operation the rotation of cam |38 (referring for the moment to Fig. 16)

lifts the rolls |31 and the. push rod `|34 to swing 'th arm |21 and the -rolls |25 and `|26 out of the pa li; of the carrier 3 into theposltion shown in It willI be observed from. the foregoing delscriptable I0 is provided with a longitudinal slot |56 Fig. 2. Thus, referring to Fig. 2, thevlower roll |25 has moved clear ofthe carrier 3 and the lower half of the piece. 40 has dropped away from the carrier 3, although the upper rhalf is still resting on the topof carrier 3. In'Fig.A18 the rollv |31 and push rod |34 have been forced into their normal .position by the cam carrying the arm |21 and the rolls |25 and |26 well awa;r from the carrier 3, and the piece is shown passing between the rolls |25 and |26 but with its rear ends depending downward therefrom.

To accurately limit the movement of rolls |25 |21a is providedV on the outer end of shaft |28 (referring to Figs. l and 1'?) and-a screw |211) threaded into the end of arm |21a contacts with a stop plate |21e on the frame ofV the machine. By turning screw |211) in or out' the extent ,of travel of the rolls |25 and |26 toward the car]- riers 3 may be accurately controlled.

The continued rotation of rolls |25 and |26 carries the piece 40 completely therethrough, and the piece is, then conveyed by belts 9 to a position over the folding table I0. The rate of rotation of rolls |25 and |26 is so regulated with respect to the speed of rotation of the cam |36 that the piece l0 is carried to a desired position f over the folding table l0 at the time the next depression |56 in cam |38 moves under roll i 31.

The arm 21 together with rolls |25 and |26 is then swung downward into the position shown in `-Fig. 19, in which position 'the upper sides of belts 0 are carried through slots |51 in the table I0 below the upper surface of the table, thus depositing the piece 40 upon` 'the table top.

Folding lmechanism Referring for the moment to Fig. 1, the raming extending therethrough. -This slot is vpositioned midway between the sides of table |0 and if the piece is properly centered o the receiving table I2 it will be deposited s metrically with rewith a shoulder |60 which extends .vertically and has a passage extending therethrough. A guidey and |26 into the path of the carriers 3, an' arm 6| which is rigidly attached, to the framework 4of the machine ts within the vertical opening' .in shoulder |60 and guides the bar |59 in its movement up and down. Extending rearwardly from the shoulder |60 is an'arm |62 carrying a roller |63 -which bears against the edge of an eccentric plate I 6 4 secured to a shaft |65. Shaft v|65 is rotatably mounted in a journal |66 (rey ferrin'g for the moment to Fig. 1) and carries ap (a0 gear wheel |61 which meshes with a pinion |60 .v on a shaft |46. Shaft |46 (as shown in Fig. 1) is journalled in bearings |66a secured to the main frame of the machine and carries at'itsl outer end a sprocket wheel |41 which is driven 7 through a chain |48 from a sprocket wheel 203 on shaft |23.l As has been previously' outlined,

shaft |28 is continuously driven through gears |5| and,|52 from shaft 2|0 Awhich is continuously rotated by chain H8.

The eccentriclplate |64 being continuously r tated, as outlined, alternately lifts the. folder barV |59 and lowers'it, and is so synchronizedwith the restof the mechanism as to lowr bar |59 just after the belts 3 have deposited a piece to be folded onto the table I0. As 4it is lowered into the position shown in Fig. 17, the bar |59 creases the. center of the piece on the table and forces it down through the slot |58.

Mounted immediately below the table I9 and extending longitudinally on either side of Aslot |58 are two rolls 2|5 and 2|6. The positions of these rolls are best shown in Fig. 20, and the way in which they are mounted in Fig. 1'1. Thus, each roll is mounted on a shaft extending therethrough and projecting from the ends into bearing plates 2|1 and 2I8 attached to they main frame of the machine. These shafts eixtend through the rear bearing plate 2|8 and have mounted on their ends bevel pinions |19 (referring for the moment to Fig. 23) which mesh with bevel gears |16 mounted on shaft |46. Rolls 2|5 and 2|6 are, therefore, continuously rotating in opposite directions, roll 2|5 rotating in a clockwise direction and roll 2|6 rotating in a counter-clockwise direction, as disclosed in Fig. 20, so that they seize the fold in the piece to be folded as it is forced between them by bar |59.

AThe rolls 2|5 and 2|6 are heavily padded with resilient material so that although they are normally in contact with each other they readily compress to permit the passage of the piece to'be folded therethrough. They, therefore, seize the creased cloth as it is forced in contact with them by the bar |59, and draw it therebetween off of table I0 through slot |56.

Referring now to Fig. 1, it willy be observed that a. fiat piece of goods spread out on the receiving table I in properly centered relation will be initially folded when it is lifted by the carrier element 3 and carried through the ironing element 6, the drying and pressing rolls 1 and the taking-off mechanism 6. Therefore, when the piece is deposited on the folding table I0, it has already been folded once with its folded edge at 220, as shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, when the center of the piece is forced down by bar |59 and the piece is drawn through thefolding rolls 2|5 and 2|6, it is folded a second time at right angles to the original fold.

Stacking mechanism rest in a receiver designated generally at 222 which comprises a wall 22.3,' guides 224 and a movable bottom plate 225. Bottom plate 225 is positioned substantially at right angles to the wall 223 and is adapted to slide therealong. It is supported by a threaded shaft 226 which is threaded within a nut 221 journalled to rotate in a bearing 229. Nut 221 has attached thereto a Worm wheel 229 which meshes with a worm 239 (referring now to Fig. 21) on a shaft 23|. Shaft 23| carries on one end a'. clutch member 232 adapted to engage with a clutch member 233 on the end of a second shaft 234 aligned with shaft 23 l. A sprocket 235 is mounted on the-outer e'nd of shaft- 234 and is continuously driven by a chain'236 from a sprocket 231 on the end of roll 2|5. The gear reduction between the nut 221 andthe rest of the mechanism is such as to shift the bottom plate 225 a distance equal to p the thickness ofa folded piece each time a piece is delivered from rolls 2|5 and 2|6, thus tending to maintain the top of the stack of folded pieces on plate 225 just below the lower edge of the guide plate 22|.

When the bottom plate 225 has been driven down as far as it will go, the stack of folded pieces is removed manually, and it is then necessary to return the plate 225 to its upper position. This is accomplished by releasing the clutch member 233 from engagement with clutch member 232 and rotating the shaft 23| by means of a hand wheel 240 in the opposite direction, thus rotating the screw 226 in such a direction as to move plate 225 into itsv upper position. Clutch member 233 is provided .with a pin 233a extend- Safety clutcacontaol As has been previously indicated,'an operator places and centers pieces 40 on the receiving table I during the time between the passage of successive carriers 3 through the table. Ordinarily, the operator will have no diiilculty in properly placing and centering the pieces without halting the operation ofthe machine. However, it is possible that occasionally she may not succeed in centering the piece before the next carrier element 3 enters the slot 2 in the table. It is, therefore, desirable to provide a speedy method of stopping the operation of the entire mechanism.I i

As is previously described in connection with the operation of the carrier elements, the gear wheels 43 and 44, which directly or indirectly drive all the rest of the mechanism, are rotated by pinions 45 and 46 which are connected by clutches 48 and 49, respectively, to the shaft 41 which is continuously driven from the motor 52.

Referring now to Fig. 24, the pinions 45 and 46 are mounted to rotate loosely upon the ends of shaft 41, and are rigidlyconnected to respective clutch members 245 and 246. Cooperating clutch members 241 and 248, respectively, are keyed to rotate with shaft 41, but are slidable longitudinally therealong. They have attached thereto channeled collars 249 and 250, respectively. A pair of leverarms 25| and 252, respectively, are pivoted to the main fr'ame at 253 and 254, respectively, and carry at their inner ends pins which engage in the channels in the collars 249 and 250, respectively. The outer ends of the levers 25| and 252 are connected by rods 254 and 255, respectively, to the upper and lower ends, respectively, of a lever arm 256 which is pivoted to rotate in a vertical plane about a pin through its center which serves as a fulcrum. Rigidly attached to lever arm 256 to turn therewith is a laterally extending arm 251 which is connected at its outer end by a-rod 258 (referring to Fig. 5) to the outer end by a rod 259 attached by a hub 260 to a shaft 260e positioned within hollow shaft 4. A second arm 26| is attached rigidly to shaft 260e at its extremity where it projects beyond shaft 4. A rod 262 connects the outer end of arm 26| to the outer end of an arm 263 connected rigidly to a shaft 264 extending between the side frame members of the machine. A pedal 265 is rigidly attached to shaft 264 substantially at its center. It is to be noted that it is necessary to couple the pedal 265 to lever arm 251 through' the central shaft 260e to avoid obstructing the path of the carrier elements 3 and their supporting spokes 5.

' It will be seen by reference to Fig. 24 that the outer ends of armsi 25|v and 252 are normally synchronous operation of all the elements in syn- 268e and 'raises the outer end of in operation.

If the operator wishes for any reason to suddenly stop the machine, she places her foot on pedal 265 and presses it downwardly, thus rotating shaft 264 and moving the outer end of arm 283 upwards This raises shaft 262 which moves the outer end of arm 26| upwards,.'turns shaft arm 258 which raises rod 258, which .in lturn raises the outer end of arm 251 and rotates the lever 256' in. such a direction as toforce rods 254 and 255' outwardly, thus moving collars 249 and 250 and their attached clutch members 241 and 248, respectively, inwardly out of engagement with .the clutch members 245 and 246, respectively, thus stopping the machine.

The carrier elements 3 are carried upward from the receiving table toward the ironing elements 6 with considerable forca'. If the operator should accidentally get a hand or arm caught between the forward edgeof the carrier 3 and the entering edge of-the ironing elements 6, she might. suffer' serious injury, particularly since the ironing elements 6 are heated. It `is,-there fore, desirable tol provide special protective equip ment to stop the machine in case the operator should have her hand .or arm` over the top of the 'carrier 3 as it approaches the ironing elements 6.

This safety means comprises a. bar 288- (referring for the moment toFigl 1) extending en-.

tirely across the front of the machine-a short distance infront of the ironing elements 6 and just above the path of the carrier elements 3.

'Bar 288is supported at each end by. arms 28| to' a shaft 282; and shaft 282, which is journalled in' bearings in the main frame, has extending forwardly therefrom an arm 283, the outer end of which is connected by a. rod 284 to an arm 285 extending rearwardly from the shaft 264.-

rod 288 and force it upwardly, thus rotating shaft 282 and arm 283 ^to lift rod 284 and rotate arm4 285 and shaft 264. The rotation of'shaft 264 disengages the clutches 241 and 248 as previously outlined, and stops the machine before the carrler 3 can force the operators/arm or hand into contact with the hot ironing elements 6.

Conclusion J Although fr the purpose of clarity the .operation of. different portions of the machine havebeen described. separately, it is to be yunderstood thatthe success of the machine depends upon the chronous relation. l Thus, the take-01T mechanisn 8 swings in front of the carrier 3 just as the tongue 29 of the carrier has shifted the piece on the carrier forwardly therefrom and is released to move back withinthe carrier. The taking-off rolls 8 then move out ofthe path of the carrier 3v in time to permit the latter to'continue its uninterrupted revolution. f

l'succeeding carrier 3 .is in position to be stripped.-

'The folding'bar |58 then creases the piece on ments.

table I8 and forces it into engagement with the folding rolls 2| 5 and 2|6 before the belts 9 rise into position above the table I8, and the folding rolls 2|5 and 2|6 remove the piece from the table I8 before thenext piece is deposited by belts 9.

The machine described is capable yofA handling any flat laundry work 'of dimensions small enough to pass through the machine, and is particularly designed and adapted to iron and fold small rectangularl pieces such as handkerchiefs, napkins,` etc. However, although the machine particularly described is primarily intended for ironing small pieces of laundry, certain novel fea-I tures of it will also be useful in processing sheets of material other than cloth; and I do notv wish to be limited to the handlingof cloth articles. Therefore, where the expression sheet is used in the claims, it is intended to cover any thin material includinglarticles of fabric or any other material. t

I claim:

1. In an ironing machine adapted to iron rectangular pieces of fabricl withoutdrawing them out of square, in combination, a receiving table having a slot, a carrier adapted to pass upwardly thru the slot picking up the fabric on a median vline thus dividing the fabric into two equal portions, ironing means symmetrically placed against which the carrier brushes, so that the stretch created by the drag of the ironing means will open upwardly, means for processing said sheet,

and means movable through said slot for-picking 'said sheet from said table and carrying it through said processing means.

3. In a machine of the type disclosed, in combination, a table for supporting a sheet; a pluf rality of parallel lines on said table for centering said sheet thereon, means for processing said sheet; andV movable sheet supporting means for picking said sheet from said table and carrying it thru said processing means, said sheet supporting means having an edge parallel to the table top Vvwhich picks up the sheetthe ends of the sheet depending on opposite sides of said edge,

and faces for supportingthe two dependent ends i of the sheet.

' 4. A machine as described .in claim 1, characterized in that said table is marked with-a plurality of parallel lines for centering said sheet with respect to said slot. y r

5. Ina machine of the type described, in combination, processingmeans for a sheet, acarrier adapted to support said sheet, means for moving said carrier in' one direction along a closedy path past saidvprocessing means, the carrier havinga leading edge nbrmalto the closed. path and fiat lsides receding from the leading edge, adapted to support during processing the entire surface of the sheet folded overthe leading edge.

6. .In a machine of the type described, al hollow tending from lthe interior of -said member tothe exterior thereof, .pads attached to the exterior of said hollow member, a pair of heatedelements for y'processing said sheet, and means for moving said carrier .member Abetween said heated elecarrier adapted to support said'sheet, means forl .carrier member, a plurality of perforations exmoving said carrier in one direction along a circular path between said processing means, the carrier having a leading edge normal to the circular path and at sides receding from the leading edge, adapted to support during processing the entire surface of the sheet folded over the leading edge.

8. In a machine of the type disclosed, a rela tively thin carrier member having substantially parallel faces, a slot in the front edge of said member, a tongue in said slot, and means for projecting said tongue from said slot to strip a sheet from said carrier.

9. In a machine of the type disclosed, a relatively thin carrier member for supporting a sheet folded thereover, said carrier member having substantially parallel faces, a slot in the front edge of said carrier member, a tongue in said slot,

a mechanism in said carrier for projecting said tongue from said slot, and means engageable with said carrier at a predetermined point in its travel for actuating said mechanism.

10. In a machine of the type described, in combination, a pair of heated irons having piane faces, a carrier adapted to support a sheet, means for moving said carrier in one direction between said heated irons, the carrier having a leading edge normal to the' direction of movement and fiat sides receding from the leading edge, adapted to support during ironing the entire surface of the sheet folded over the leading edge.

11. In a machine of the type disclosed, a carrier member for supporting a sheet folded thereover, said carrier element having a tapered leading edge and substantially parallel faces back of said tapered edge, a pair of irons having opposed surfaces shaped to correspond with respective faces of said carrier and having-rounded forward edges, f

means for moving said carrier between said irons, and means for resiliently forcing the forward edges of said irons toward each other whereby said edges of said irons contact with the portions of said sheet immediately adiacent the leading edge ofw said carrier.

12. In a machine of the type disclosed, a carrier member having substantially parallel faces for supporting a sheet folded thereover, a pair of irons for processing said sheet, means for passing said carrier member between said irons, the opposed surfaces of said irons being shaped to correspond with the respective faces of said carrier member, and the edges of said irons which are rst contacted by the carrier being extended at the center ahead of the rest of the irons whereby said -sheet is ironed from the center outwardly.

13. In a machine of the type disclosed, a carrier member. for supporting a sheet folded thereover, a pair of ironing elements for processing said sheet, rolls for processing said sheet, and means for moving said carrier member successively between said ironing elements and, said rolls.

14. Means as ldescribed in claim 13, with means for rotating said rolls so that the linear surface speed of the rolls differs fromthe speed of said carrier.

15. Means as described in .claim 13, in which said rolls are rotated so that the roll surface moves in a direction opposite to that of said carrier.

16. Means as described in claim 13 in which said rolls are heated.

17. In a machine of. the type disclosed, a carrier through a predetermined path, a pair of contacting rolls, means for shifting said rolls into the path of said carrier, means for projecting the folded edge of said sheet away from the front edge' of said carrier whereby said sheet is seized between said rolls, and means for 'thereafter shifting said rolls out of the path of said carrier.

18. In a machine of the type disclosed, a revoluble carrier for carrying a sheet folded back over the front edge thereof, means for revolving said carrier through a circular path, a pair of contacting rolls, means for shifting said rolls into the path of saidrcarrier to seize the folded edge of said sheet projecting from the front edge of said carrier and for thereafter shifting said rolls f after shifting said rlls out of the path of said carrier, and a belt about said lower roll extending substantially horizontally therefrom for supporting said sheet after it leaves said rolls, and

means formaintaining said belt taut.

20. In a machine of the type disclosed, a plurality oi carrier belts, means for delivering a sheet to said carrier belts, a table below said belts, slots in said'tablemeans for moving the upper portions of said belts toward said table to carry a sheet to a position above said table, and means for lowering said belts through said slots thereby depositing said sheet on said table.

21. In an ironing machine, in combination, a feeding table, ironing means located above the table, power operated means controlled by a clutch Ifor carrying the Work from the feeding table up to the ironing means, a bar positioned slightly in front of the path of the carrying means and above the normal level for loading the table, and clutch releasing means actuated by the bar if the operatorshand is carried up toward the ironing means with the work. 22. In a machine of the type disclosed in combination, a table for supporting a sheet to be processed, means for ironing said sheet, means for drying said sheet. carrier means for lifting said sheet from said table and carrying it through said ironing anddrying means respec- .1

tively, means for folding a sheet, means for removing said sheet from said carrier and delivering it to said folding means, andI means for receiving sheetsfrom said folding means and stacking them.

23. In a machine of the type disclosed in combination, heated elements having substantially at surfaces for ironing a sheet, heated rolls for drying said sheet, a carrier for carrying a piece vto be ironed through a predetermined path, said heated ironing elements and drying rolls being positioned. in the path of said carrier element and spaced a substantial distance apart whereby said sheet is partially dried on said carrier during its passage from said ironing element to said dryings rolls.

24. In a machine of the type disclosed, in combination, a table for supporting a sheet to be rier for carrying a sheet folded back over the front edge thereof, means for moving said carprocessed, carrier means for lifting said sheetl from said table and carrying it thru said processing means, means for folding the sheet, means for removing said sheet from said carrier and delivering it to'said folding means.

25. In a machineadapted to fold, without resetting the machine, rectangular sheets of variable dimensions into equal quarters, feeding means including, in combination, a table, a group of parallel lines on the table, the group consisting of pairs whose mdian lines coincide, a second 

